Hey everyone! I’m still in California and we are having such a great time seeing friends, eating out and shuffling the kids everywhere! I have two more guest posts for you this week. . and something SWEET on Wednesday. . so I’m excited for this week. And to kick it off, I’m thrilled to be introducing you to Dianna from The Kitchen Prep today!
I had the pleasure of meeting sweet Dianna in Miami at BlogHer Food. We hit it off immediately and spent the afternoon with friends gabbing about blogging, business, working with brands and everything else in between. Dianna is so sweet in person and is a genius in the kitchen. Here are just some of the fabulous recipes you will find on her beautiful blog: Quinoa Burrito Bowl, Teriyaki Turkey Lettuce Wraps, Espresso Caramel Bars and this amazing Rosemary Lemon Turkey Burger. And Dianna recently got some bloggers together to celebrate National Ice Cream Month! So, if you didn’t catch her ice cream social, you seriously need to check out this post .. there are some great ice cream recipes there! So, check out her blog and follow Dianna on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
So, without further ado. . here’s Dianna!!
Hi everyone! I’m Dianna from The Kitchen Prep, and I’m so glad to be over here filling in for Alice while she’s away getting some well-deserved vacation time!
I met Alice in May at the BlogHer Food conference in Miami and immediately knew she was one amazing gal. We chatted about blog things, explored the conference sponsor booths and even got a little lost in the city when we ventured out for lunch! Luckily, we found our way back and are here to tell the tale and keep bringing you yummy recipes.
I love popping over here to check out the recipes Alice shares because we have similar food styles: We both like to create dishes that are impressive and simple. Because, here’s the thing… ain’t nobody got time for fussy and mediocre!
One of the things I love most about summertime is laid back entertaining. That whole, “Everybody just throw on some flip flops and come over for some fun.” mentality is exactly what South Florida entertaining is all about, especially since it gets so darn hot in these parts that turning on an oven or standing in front of a blazing grill seems like a cruel punishment. So, it’s important to have an arsenal of no-bake, no-cook snacks and dishes at your disposal so that the brunt of your work is as difficult as hitting the “on” switch to your blender while you make margaritas.
I discovered this recipe a while back and thought to myself, “Self, this is exactly what every party needs.” A cheese log. Because who doesn’t love one of those? It reminds me of a cross between pimento cheese and the stuff I grew up eating inside Cuban bocaditos.
{Random side note: The first time I made this it rolled off the plate as I was transporting it and was subsequently enjoyed by a gathering of ducks who were eyeing it the whole time I was walking through the parking lot. Now I know what they mean when they say “lucky duck”!}
The best part about this recipe is that you can customize it so easily — use different nuts and herbs for the coating, or add whatever you’d like to the cream cheese mixture. It only takes minutes to throw together, which is essential when you’ve got more important things to do like lounge poolside or sip sangria. In short, it’s a keeper.
It’s summertime, and the livin’ cookin’ is easy! Whip up this snack for your next summer gathering.
- 1 {8 oz.} block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Spanish olives {green ones with pimentos}, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
- In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, olives, mayonnaise and onion powder until totally combined.
- Scoop mixture into a log or ball shape -- I like to place it on a piece of plastic wrap to make it easier and less messy and mold it into the desired shape. Cover and place in refrigerator for about 45 minutes to an hour.
- On a plate or shallow dish, mix together walnuts and chives. When the mixture has chilled and firmed up, roll it in the walnut and chives until it’s well coated. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
- Serve with crackers, pita chips or fresh veggies.
Recipe slightly adapted from Southern Living
Thank you so much, Dianna for this guest post!!
You are right – every party needs a cheese log! This looks incredible. Can not wait to try.
Thanks so much, Jolena!!! yes, isn’t this amazing?!
A truly delicious recipe. Love the easy, breezy style of writing & this log has me craving summer fun already!
Thanks so much, Alice. . you need to visit Dianna’s blog! 🙂
Onions, walnuts and chives in cheesy glory – what’s not to love!!
Hi Shashi, yes. . I know, right?! can’t wait to try making this when I get home!
This reminds me of one of my favorite happy hour appetizers to get at a local restaurant Truluck’s, it’s a goat cheese ball covered in olives and peppers. And me, the olive hater, actually loves it. My point? I think I would love this even though it’s full of olives!
Shaina, hey!! how can you hate olives?!! 🙂 I can’t wait to try this cheese log!!
I want this cheese log at my next dinner party!! Thank you for introducing me to Dianna!! heading over to make her acquaintance now 😉
hi Zainab! I know, right?! I’m totally making this when I get home! Can’t wait!
Lucky ducks, indeed! I guess you didn’t want to employ the five second rule that time. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dianna. I was just in Orlando and I don’t blame you at all for not wanting to turn on the oven or grill. It felt like an oven standing outside! This cheese log looks delicious and I love how endlessly adaptable it is. I love your photos too – these are gorgeous!
Hi Nancy!! haha, yeah, 5 second rule would not have worked that time for Dianna I’m sure. . so glad you get to meet Dianna over here! Check out her blog!
This looks so creamy and delicious! I might have to try this for my next party!
Looking at cheese at 4:30 in the afternoon, makes me think one thing. Happy hour and crackers with cheese. This looks so good. Thanks Dianna and Alice!
My mom used to make us green olive and cream cheese sandwiches when we were little! I know this is a cheese log I couldn’t resist! And, apparently, the ducks couldn’t either…cute story!